Collection and filtration via suction of biological material during surgical procedure

ABSTRACT

A method for collecting and filtering biological material from blood and other fluids during a surgical procedure includes: attaching a first cover including a suction port and an intake port to a collection trap; attaching a suction source to the suction port; attaching an instrument to the intake port, through which blood and tissue are suctioned and received into the collection trap; filing the collection trap with blood and tissue; removing the collection trap from the first cover; attaching a second cover to the collection trap in place of the first cover, the second cover including a suction port and a plunger, the plunger including a press head having a screen portion permitting blood and other fluids to pass; attaching a suction source to the suction port of the second cover; separating the blood from the tissue by deploying the plunger; and drawing off the blood through the suction port.

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/500,964, filedSep. 29, 2014, which is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/540,585, filed Jul.2, 2012, which '585 application is a continuation-in-part of, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/429,034, filed Mar. 23, 2012, which '034 application is anonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 61/483,728, filed May 8, 2011; and which'585 application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under§ 120 to, International patent application serial number PCT/US12/36414,filed May 4, 2012, which international application is a nonprovisionalof, and claims priority under § 119(e) to, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 61/483,728, filed May 8, 2011, and which international applicationis a continuation of, and claims priority under § 120 to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/429,034, filed Mar. 23, 2012, which '034application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under § 119(e)to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/483,728, filed May 8, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to collecting material, such asbone or tissue, during a surgical procedure.

Apparatus and methods for collecting bone material are well known.Representative apparatus and methods are disclosed, for example, in thefollowing references: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,418; 5,766,134; 5,954,961;6,007,496; 6,299,763; 7,204,810; 7,214,059; 7,758,556; USPA Publ.2007/0016100; USPA Publ. 2007/0203471; USPA Publ. 2007/0225665; USPAPubl. 2008/0071192; USPA Publ. US2009/0306669; and WO 2003/073945. Eachof these references is hereby incorporated herein by reference for atleast the purposes of disclosing certain contexts and technologies thatare pertinent to the present invention.

Generally speaking, operations, such as spinal fusions, require the useof autologous, cancellous bone. The use of this bone is generallypreferred; however, the collection methods currently available can bearduous and messy, and some are quite complicated. Indeed, someconventional collection techniques even require the user to pour thecontents of blood and bone onto an absorbable pad, such as those soldunder the “Telfa” trademark.

In view of known apparatus and methods for collecting bone material, itis believed that one or more needs exist for improvement in apparatusand methods related to collecting bone material during a surgicalprocedure. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspectsof the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of collection of bone during surgical procedures, the presentinvention is not limited to use only in such context, as will becomeapparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions ofaspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.For example, the present invention has utility in the collection oftissue other than bone during medical procedures, such as those medicalprocedures that use an ultrasonic tool for removing tissue.

In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for collecting andfiltering bone or other tissue from blood includes: (a) a collectiontrap; (b) a first cover; and (c) a second cover. The first cover andsecond cover are interchangeably attachable to the collection trap.Additionally, the first cover includes a suction port and an intakeport, and the second cover includes a suction port and a plunger. Theplunger is configured to separate blood from bone upon depressing of theplunger.

In a related aspect, the collection trap comprises an open-endedcylindrical container; and the first and second covers compriseinterchangeable lids that are removably attachable to the open-end ofthe container in sealing engagement with the container.

In a feature of this aspect, the plunger includes a press head by whichbone or other tissue is separated from blood and other fluids. The presshead preferably includes a screen through which the blood and otherfluids is filtered, and by which bone or other tissue is restrained frompassing. Additionally, the screen preferably is retained to the presshead by at least a portion of the press head being formed about thescreen. The screen is also preferably disk shaped; and the press headpreferably includes support members that support the screen at radiallyextending, elongate areas. Moreover, the screen may be disk shaped andcorrespond generally to an oval cross-sectional shape of the interiorchamber of the container; and the press head may include support membersthat support the screen only at radially extending, elongate areas, andalong one or more outer circumferential edge portions of the screen.

In another feature, the plunger is maintained in a first position,wherein a press head of the plunger is located proximate an underside ofthe first cover at a mouth of the container. The plunger preferably islockable in the first position or is spring-biased into the firstposition.

In another feature, the lids comprise screw-on lids; the containercomprises ribs along an exterior surface extending in an axial directionrelative to an axis of the container; and each of the first and secondcovers includes ribs that generally align with the ribs of the containerwhen securely attached to the container, the ribs of the container andthe ribs of the lids further providing gripping areas for screwing thelids on and off of the container.

In another feature, the second lid further comprises a vent that isconfigured to permit air to enter into an interior chamber of thecontainer as a result of the application of suction via the suctionport, thereby resulting in a flow for transporting blood and otherfluids from the chamber of the container.

In another feature, the plunger comprises a shaft that extends throughan opening in a top of the lid of the second cover.

In another feature, the lid preferably defines a passageway that extendsfrom an exterior of the lid to an interior chamber of the container whenthe lid is attached to the container such that air is permitted to enterinto an interior chamber of the container as a result of the applicationof suction via the suction port of the lid of the second cover, therebyresulting in a flow for transporting blood and other fluids from theinterior chamber of the container. The passageway preferably is formedby a recessed area that is defined in an axial extent of a wall definingthe opening and that forms a vent when the shaft is received though theopening. The passageway may include elongate top and bottom portionsthat generally extend in an axial direction and that are connected by anintermediate portion and are offset from each other along acircumferential direction about the opening by the intermediate portion.

In another aspect of the invention, a kit for collecting and filteringbone from blood includes a container in which is contained: (a) acollection trap; (b) a first cover; and (c) a second cover. The firstcover and second cover are interchangeably attachable to the collectiontrap. Additionally, the first cover includes a suction port and anintake port, and the second cover includes a suction port and a plunger.The plunger is configured to separate blood from bone upon depressing ofthe plunger. The kit also preferably contains a bone scoop; a collectioncup; and a length of tubing for attachment to the intake port whereby asuction instrument, such as a Frazier suction tip instrument, may beattached for suctioning of blood and bone.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for collecting andfiltering bone from blood includes the steps of: (a) attaching a firstcover to a collection trap, the first cover including a suction port andan intake port; (b) attaching a suction source to the suction port; (c)attaching a suction instrument to the intake port, through which bloodand bone are received into the collection trap; (d) at least partiallyfiling the collection trap with blood and bone; (e) removing the firstcover and attaching to the collection trap a second cover in place ofthe first cover, the second cover including a plunger, the plungerincluding a press head having a screen portion permitting blood productsto pass there through but generally blocking bone from passing therethrough; (f) separating the blood from the bone using the plunger; and(g) drawing off the blood from the container. The collection trap maycomprise a container; and each cover may comprise a lid that screws ontoa mouth of the container.

In a feature, the second cover includes a suction port and the methodfurther includes attaching a suction source to the suction port of thesecond cover and drawing off the blood from the container through thesuction port.

In another aspect, an apparatus for collecting and filtering tissue fromblood and other fluids comprises: first and second collection traps; andfirst and second covers; wherein the first cover comprises a suctionport and an intake port; and wherein the second cover comprises asuction port and a plunger.

In a feature of this aspect, each of the first and second collectiontraps comprises an open-ended cylindrical container; and the first andsecond covers comprise interchangeable lids that are removablyattachable to the open-end of each of the first and second containers insealing engagement therewith.

In another feature, the plunger includes a press head by which tissue isfiltered from blood and other fluids. The press head preferably includesa screen through which blood and other fluids are filtered and by whichtissue is restrained from passing. The screen may be retained to thepress head by at least a portion of the press head being formed aboutthe screen. In this scenario, the screen preferably is disk shaped; andthe press head preferably includes support members that support thescreen at radially extending, elongate areas. The screen may alsocorresponds generally to an oval cross-sectional shape of the interiorchamber of the container; and the press head may include support membersthat support the screen only (i) at radially extending, elongate areas,and (ii) along one or more outer circumferential edge portions of thescreen.

Additionally, the plunger preferably is maintained in a first positionwhere at a press head of the plunger is located proximate an undersideof the first cover. The plunger may be lockable in the first position;the plunger may be spring-biased into the first position; or both.

In another feature, the lids comprise screw-on lids; each of thecontainers comprises ribs along an exterior surface extending in anaxial direction relative to an axis of the container; and each of thefirst and second covers includes ribs that generally align with the ribsof each of the containers when securely attached thereto, the ribs ofeach of the containers and the ribs of the lids further providinggripping areas for screwing the lids on and off of the containers.

In another aspect, a kit for collecting biological material during asurgical procedure includes a container, such as a sterile bag or a box,in which is contained: a first collection trap; a second collectiontrap; a first cover; and a second cover. The first cover and the secondcover are interchangeably attachable to each of the first and the secondcollection traps. The first cover comprises a suction port and an intakeport. The second cover comprises a suction port and a plunger.

In a feature, the kit also includes tubing configured to attach to thesuction port of the first cover and an elbow connector configure toattach to the tubing.

In another aspect, a method for collecting and filtering biologicalmaterial from blood and other fluids during a surgical procedureincludes the steps of: (a) attaching a first cover to a collection trap,the first cover including a suction port and an intake port; (b)attaching a suction source to the suction port; (c) attaching aninstrument to the intake port, through which instrument blood and tissueare suctioned and received through the intake port into the collectiontrap; (d) at least partially filing the collection trap with blood andtissue; (e) removing the collection trap from the first cover; (f)attaching a second cover to the collection trap in place of the firstcover, the second cover including a suction port and a plunger, theplunger including a press head having a screen portion permitting bloodand other fluids to pass there through but generally blocking tissuefrom passing there through; (g) attaching a suction source to thesuction port of the second cover; (h) separating the blood from thetissue by deploying the plunger; and (i) drawing off the blood from thecontainer through the suction port.

In a feature, the method further includes the steps of attaching thefirst cover to a second collection trap and at least partially fillingthe second collection trap while performing said steps (f) through (i).

In another feature, the method further includes the step of securing thefirst cover to a surgical drape on the side of a patient during thesurgical procedure, wherein the first cover remains secured to thesurgical drape while performing steps (d) through (i).

In another feature, the suction port of the first cover projectsoutwardly on a side of the first cover, the intake port projectsupwardly and orthogonally to a direction of projection of the suctionport, and the biological material comprises tissue removed from apatient's body using an ultrasonic device.

In another feature, the intake port of the first cover projectsoutwardly on a side of the first cover, and the suction port projectsupwardly and orthogonally to a direction of projection of the suctionport, and the biological material comprises bone removed from apatient's body using a suctioning device.

More aspects and features are disclosed and will become apparent fromthe followed description of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention now will be describedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a bone collection assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including firstand second lids and a container.

FIG. 1a schematically illustrates the first lid of FIG. 1 attached tothe container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1b schematically illustrates the second lid of FIG. 1 attached tothe container of FIG. 1, wherein a plunger of the second lid is shown ina first position.

FIG. 1c schematically illustrates the second lid attached to thecontainer, wherein the plunger of the second lid is in a firstintermediate position.

FIG. 1d schematically illustrates the second lid attached to thecontainer, wherein the plunger of the second lid is in a secondintermediate position.

FIG. 1e schematically illustrates the second lid attached to thecontainer, wherein the plunger of the second lid is in a secondposition.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the first lid of FIG. 1 with thedetachable tube that attaches to an intake port of the first lid.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the second lid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a schematically illustrates a press head of the second lid of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a collection cup that comprises part ofa bone collection system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a bone spoon that comprises part of abone collection system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a bone collection assembly kit inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a-7c schematically illustrate a method of trapping bone and bloodproducts using the container of FIG. 1 with the first lid, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8a-8e schematically illustrate a method of separating bone fromblood products using the container of FIG. 1 with the second lid, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates bone remaining in the containerfollowing the method illustrated in FIGS. 8a -8 e.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the transfer of bone remaining in thecontainer of FIG. 9 using the bone spoon of FIG. 5, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates, in part, a plan view of the undersideof the first lid with a Frazier suction tip instrument attached to thesix-inch tubing.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates, in part, a plan view of the undersideof the second lid without the press head.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates, in part, a plan view of the undersideof the second lid without the press head, without the 3 mm rubber gasketand screws, without the suction port, and without the intake port.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates, in part, a plan view of a top side ofthe second lid without the suction port and without the intake port.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a second lid attached to a containerof a bone collection assembly in accordance with another, preferredembodiment of the present invention, wherein a plunger of the second lidis shown in a first position.

FIG. 15a schematically illustrates another view of the second lid andcontainer of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates the detachment of the second lid fromthe container of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a top plan view of the second liddetached from the container as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a side plan view of the second lid andcontainer of FIG. 17, including a cross-sectional view of the second lidtaken along the line 18-18 in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a plan view of the bottom of a presshead of the plunger of the second lid of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a side plan view of the press head ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a top plan view of the press head ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the press headof FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a screw-on topof the second lid of FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates a bottom plan view of the screw-on topof FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cross-sectionof the screw-on top of FIG. 23 taken along the line 25-25 in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a side plan view of the screw-on topof FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates another side plan view of the screw-ontop of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a screw-on topof a first lid for use with the container of FIG. 15.

FIG. 29 schematically illustrates a bottom plan view of the screw-on topof FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the screw-ontop of FIG. 28 taken along the line 30-30 in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 schematically illustrates a side plan view of the screw-on topof FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 schematically illustrates another side plan view of the screw-ontop of FIG. 28.

FIG. 33a schematically illustrates a perspective view of the lid ofFIGS. 28-32 attached to a container of a bone collection assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33b schematically illustrates a front elevational view of theapparatus of FIG. 33 a.

FIG. 33c schematically illustrates a side elevational view of theapparatus of FIG. 33 a.

FIG. 33d schematically illustrates another side elevational view of theapparatus of FIG. 33 a.

FIG. 33e schematically illustrates a rear elevational view of theapparatus of FIG. 33 a.

FIG. 33f schematically illustrates a bottom plan view of the apparatusof FIG. 33 a.

FIG. 33g schematically illustrates a top plan view of the apparatus ofFIG. 33 a.

FIG. 34a is a perspective view of a container and cover with plungerassembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 34b is another perspective view of the container and cover of FIG.34 a.

FIG. 35 illustrates an elbow connector that is used in the collectionassembly of FIGS. 38a -38 i.

FIG. 36 illustrates a prototype of the first screw-on top in thecollection assembly of FIGS. 38a-38i , together with a suction tube thathas been attached to the elbow connector.

FIG. 37 illustrates a container and the first screw-on in the collectionassembly of FIGS. 35a-35i , wherein the screw-on top has been secured ontop of the container and the tubing from an ultrasonic device has beenattached to the side port of the screw-on top.

FIGS. 38a-38i schematically illustrate another use of a collectionassembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein tissue is collected in connection with the user of anultrasonic tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. As should be understood,any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed foradditional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Components of a Bone Collection Assembly of an Embodiment of theInvention

An exemplary bone collection assembly in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention comprises a collection trap and twointerchangeable covers, each of which are configured to attach to thecollection trap in covering relation thereto.

With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an exemplary assembly 100is shown. The assembly 100 includes a collection trap comprises a liquidcontainer 302 having a single, open end comprising a mouth 304 of thecontainer 302; a first cover comprising a first lid 102; and a secondcover comprising a second lid 202. The liquid container 302 isillustrated as being a 50 cc container and is suitable for use; however,an 80 cc container is currently preferred with graduations up to 60 cc.

The container 302 includes integral bottom wall and sidewalls thatdefine a continuous, uninterrupted smooth surface, and preferable iscylindrical in shape. The sidewall also is preferably transparent ortranslucent so that the contents of the container 302 can be viewed,especially as the container 302 fills. A rim 306 surrounding the mouth304 of the container 302 includes threads 308 for mating engagement withrespective threads 108,208 of each of the lids 102,202. In this respect,each lid 102,202 may be interchangeably screwed on top of the container302 for watertight sealing of the container 302 at the threads, asschematically indicated by the arrows 101,201 in FIG. 1. An illustrationof the first lid 102 attached to the container 302 for trapping bloodproducts and bone is shown in FIG. 1a ; and an illustration of thesecond lid 202 attached to the container 302 for separating bloodproducts and bone is shown in FIG. 1 b.

With primary reference to FIG. 2, the first lid 102 includes a suctionport 104 and an intake port 106. The suction port 104 is configured toreceive a tube for application of suction to an interior chamber 310 ofthe container 302 for holding liquid. The intake port 106 is configuredto receive a six-inch tube 110 by which a Frazier suction instrument(not shown) is attachable to the first lid 102. The suction applied tothe container 302 via the suction port 104 results in suction beingapplied via the second port 106 to the Frazier suction instrument,whereby blood products and bone suctioned using the Frazier suctioninstrument flow through the second port 106 into the collection chamber310. Moreover, it will be understood that other suction instruments maybe used and that the Frazier suction instrument described is merely forpurposes of illustration.

Due to the orientation of the container 302 and, in particular, thelocation of the ports 104,106 in the lid 102 of the container 302, theblood products and bone that are suctioned with the suction instrumentare generally trapped and collected within the container 302 by gravitywhen the container 302 is maintained in a generally upright positionwith the lid 102 attached to the chamber 310.

With primary reference to FIG. 3, the second lid 202 includes a suctionport 204, a vent 206, and a plunger 210. The suction port 204 is similarto that of the first lid 102, and is configured to receive a tube forapplication of suction to the interior chamber 310 of the container 302when attached thereto. The vent 206 is configured to permit air to enterinto the chamber 310 of the container 302 when attached thereto as aresult of the application of the suction via the suction port 204,thereby resulting in an airflow. This airflow is utilized to transportblood products from the chamber 310, as will be described in furtherdetail below.

The plunger 210 itself comprises a handle 212, a shaft 214, and a presshead 216. The plunger 210 is able to transition (i.e., istransitionable) between a first, extended position (as shown in FIG. 1b), in which the press head 216 is located proximate a bottom 203 of thesecond lid 202, and a second depressed position (as shown in FIG. 1e )in which the handle 212 is located proximate a top 205 of the second lid202 and the press head 216 is located proximate the bottom 303 of thecontainer 302 when the second lid 202 is attached to the container 302.First and second intermediate positions of the plunger 210 between thesefirst and second positions are shown, respectively, in FIG. 1c and FIG.1 d.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3a , the press head 216 includes a screencomprising two screen portions 218,220. Each screen portion 218,220preferably comprises a fine metal screen mesh. The screen is configuredto filter bone from the blood products, in that the screen includesopenings dimensioned to allow blood products to pass there through, butto generally block autologous, cancellous bone obtained during asurgical procedure from passing therethrough. Consequently, when thesecond lid 202 is attached to a container 302 that has filled with bloodproducts and bone obtained during a surgical procedure, transitioning ofthe plunger 210 from the first position to the second position resultsin the separation of the blood products and the autologous, cancellousbone. The press head 216 also includes a rubber O-ring 222 for sealingengagement with the interior sides of the chamber 310 of the container302 so that bone does not pass around the press head 216 duringtransitioning of the plunger 210. The press head 216 attaches to theshaft 214 at 224.

The bone collection assembly also includes a collection cup, anexemplary embodiment 410 of which is shown in FIG. 4; and a bone scoop,an exemplary embodiment 510 of which is shown in FIG. 5. The bone scoop510 is used to physically transfer filtered bone retained in thecollection trap to the collection cup 410. The collection cup 410 isused to hold the autologous, cancellous bone until needed in a surgicalprocedure.

The foregoing called-out components of the bone collection assembly 100preferably are made out of one or more plastic materials, and may bemanufactured using injection-molding processes. Exceptions include thescreen of the press head, which preferably is made out of a stainlesssteel woven mesh; the tube, which preferably is made out of silicone;and the O-ring, which preferably is made out of a rubber material.

An Exemplary Commercial Kit

Components of an exemplary commercial kit 600 in accordance with thepresent invention are shown in FIG. 6 and comprises a container 302; afirst lid 102; a tube 110; a second lid 202; and a box 602. The kit 600may also contain a collection cup 410 and a bone scoop 510. Thecontainer and collection cup preferably are clear plastic, and thecolors of the lids are white. The tube 110 preferably comprises clear,plastic tubing. The tube 110 is attachable to the port 106 of the firstlid 102 and may either be separately contained within the box 602 orpre-attached to the second port 106. The bone scoop 510 also preferablyis white. The components in the box 602 are preferably packaged insterile pouches, are opened by sterile technique, and are intended to beplaced on a sterile table within an operating environment, such as amayo table, and opened for use in preparation for, or during, a surgicalprocedure. Furthermore, while a kit may include only one containerwithin the scope of the invention, the kit may include a secondcontainer (not shown) that is identical to the first container wherebybone and blood can be captured during the surgical operation using thefirst lid and one of the two containers even as bone is being filteredfrom blood using the second lid and the other container. In a preferredcommercial kit, a bone collection assembly represented by FIGS. 15-34 isprovided with two identical containers for use, as described below.

Exemplary Use During Surgical Procedure

Once the need arises for collection of bone, a bone collection assemblykit is brought to the surgeon and/or assistant. The box is opened, and afirst lid is attached in threading engagement with the container. Thesuction port of the first lid is then attached to a suction source. AFrazier suction instrument (or other suction instrument) is attached tothe open end of the plastic tubing attached to the second port. Both thesuction instrument and the suction source are conventionally provided inindividual operating rooms and are not part of the kit. Once the bloodproducts and bone approximately fills the container, the suction isremoved from the suction port. The first lid is then removed from thecontainer by unscrewing it while keeping the suction instrument attachedon the end of the tubing. Leaving the suction instrument attached willfacilitate the process of further bone collecting. Accordingly, the lidis placed on the surgical table for quick access later, or if a secondcontainer is provided, then the lid is attached to the second containerand the suction is reapplied to the suction port for continued bone andblood collection.

The steps of collecting bone and blood products within the container areillustrated in FIGS. 7a -7 c.

The second lid then is attached in threading engagement to the filledcontainer. Suction is applied to the suction port on the second lidwhile keeping the container upright not allowing for any incidentalsuction of bone products. The user then depresses the plunger until itis fully depressed, thereby compressing the bone and separating the bonefrom the blood products. The blood then is suctioned away by tilting thecontainer while the bone is maintained under pressure by depression ofthe plunger. After the blood has been evacuated by the suction, thesuction is removed and the plunger is raised and locked—or otherwisemaintained—in position. The lid is then removed from the container. Thebone within the container is then collected by use of the bone scoop andtransferred to the collection cup. Additionally, bone may adhere to thepress head. Any bone adhering to the press head also is collected withthe bone scoop and transferred to the collection cup. Thereafter, iffurther bone collecting is desired and a second container is not beingused, then the first lid is again reattached to the container and theforegoing steps are repeated for collecting bone and blood.

The separation of bone and blood products within the container areillustrated in FIGS. 8a-8d , and the transfer of the bone from thecontainer to the collection cup is represented by FIGS. 9-10.

Upon completion of the surgical procedure, or if the surgeon is in nofurther need for bone collection, the bone collection assembly can bediscarded by hazmat standards per facility given its disposable design.Indeed, the bone collection assembly preferably is disposable, althoughin other embodiments it is contemplated that one or more components ofthe bone collection assembly could be reusable, preferably afterautoclaving.

Additional Detail with Regard to the First and Second Lids

With respect to additional details regarding the first lid 102 andsecond lid 202, FIG. 11 schematically illustrates, in part, a plan viewof the underside of the first lid with a Frazier suction tip instrumentattached to the tubing; FIG. 12 schematically illustrates, in part, aplan view of the underside of the second lid without the press head, andreveals two 4 mm stainless steel screws with wide heads thatcollectively retain a 3 mm rubber gasket in place; FIG. 13 schematicallyillustrates, in part, a plan view of the underside of the second lidwithout the press head, without the 3 mm rubber gasket and screws,without the suction port, and without the intake port, and reveals twotubular projections threaded for receiving the 4 mm screws and overwhich tubular projections the rubber gasket seats, and reveals threadedportions in the lid for receiving a suction port attachment and a ventattachment in threading engagement therewith; and FIG. 14 schematicallyillustrates in part a plan view of a top side of the second lid withoutthe suction port and without the intake port, and reveals a profile ofthe handle of the plunger for receiving a palm of a hand.

Perceived Highlighted Benefits of Bone Collection Assemblies

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the bone collection assemblyis disposable and cost effective; proficiently collects autologous boneduring a surgical operation; and is easy to construct and is simple touse.

Moreover, it is believed that the bone collection assembly is less proneto clogging during use compared to many conventional devices used forautologous bone collection. Furthermore, the chamber of the 50 cccontainer is much larger than the collection capacity of manyconventional devices used for autologous bone collection, and thereforecan be used to collect larger amounts of blood and bone at a singletime. The can be especially advantageous during a lumbar fusion.

Additionally, it is believed that the bone collection assembly need notbe held by a surgeon during the operation. Moreover, use of the plungerto compress the bone and separate the bone from the blood products neednot be performed during collection of the bone and blood products.Instead, this can be done after detachment of the first cover followingcompletion of the first phase of collecting the bone and blood products.This separation step can be performed by auxiliary personnel to thesurgeon and first assist, such as a surgical tech or other staff.

Still further, it is believed that the collection method has little ifany loss of bone and can be used in various operations; that the bonecollection assembly will adequately separate blood products from bone;and that the collected bone can be easily measured and utilized inprocedures, such as spinal fusions. Indeed, it is believed that the bonecollection assembly can be readily utilized by surgeons in multiplespecialties and sub-specialties who require the use of autologous bone.

A Currently Preferred Bone Collection Assembly

A currently preferred bone collection assembly is now described withreference to FIGS. 15-33. In this respect, FIG. 15 schematicallyillustrates a second lid 1202 attached to a container 1302 of anotherbone collection assembly in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention. Additionally, FIG. 15a schematically illustrates aside elevational view of the second lid and container of FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the second lid 1202 includes a screw-on top 1201and a plunger assembly. Moreover, while a screw-on engagement ispreferred, other engagements are contemplated, such as a snap-fitengagement between lids and a container.

The plunger assembly includes a plunger 1210 that is disposed in a firstposition as shown in FIG. 15. The plunger 1210 comprises a handle 1212,a shaft 1214, and a press head 1216. The plunger assembly furtherincludes a spring 1215 that is generally coaxial with the shaft 1214 andthat extends between the handle 1212 and the top 1201. The spring 1215biases the plunger 1210 into the first position as shown in FIG. 15, andacts against a downward force A that may be manually applied to thehandle 1212 in moving the plunger 1210 from the first position to asecond position, in which the press head 1216 is located proximate abottom of the container 1302.

The screw-on top includes a suction port 1204. In contrast to thesuction port 204 of the second lid 202, which extends generally inparallel to the shaft 214 of the plunger 210, the suction port 1204extends to a side, transversely to the shaft 1214 of the plunger 1210.It is believed that this orientation of the suction port 1204 isbeneficial in allowing for deflection of the tubing away from thesurgical field of view.

The container 1302 is configured to receive the top 1201 in threadingengagement, whereby the top 1201 is screwed onto the container 1302 andcan be similarly screwed off of the container 1302. The container 1302also preferably includes elongate protuberances or ribs 1303 that extendbetween the top and bottom of the container 1302 along the exteriorthereof. The ribs 1303 preferably provide a good gripping surface forholding the container 1302 when screwing the top 1201 onto and off ofthe container 1302.

Moreover, the top 1201 preferably includes ribs 1203 that also provide agood gripping surface. Furthermore, the ribs 1203 on the top 1201preferably correspond to and align with the ribs 1303 on the container1302 when the top 1201 is securely screwed onto the container 1302,thereby readily visually indicating that the top 1201 is tightly screwedonto the container 1302.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates the detachability of the second lid1202 and the container 1302.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a top plan view of the second lid 1202detached from the container 1302 as shown in FIG. 16; and FIG. 18schematically illustrates a side plan view of the second lid 1202 andcontainer 1302 of FIG. 17, including a cross-sectional view of thesecond lid 1202 taken along the line 18-18 in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a plan view of the bottom of the presshead 1216 and illustrates a woven metal mesh disc 1218.

The disc 1218 preferably is secured to the press head 1216 in aninjection molding process, with a circumferential portion of the presshead 1216 being formed about a circumferential outer portion of the disc1218 to thereby hold the disc 1218 within a recessed area on theunderside of the press head 1216. In this respect, in at least onepreferred embodiment, the press head 1216 includes a lip ofapproximately 0.020 inches. In other embodiments, the disc may be gluedor otherwise adhered to the press head, or secured using mechanicalfasteners.

Furthermore, the disc 1218 preferably includes four openings throughwhich alignment protuberances or pins 1221 of the press head 1216 extendfor alignment of the disc 1218 to the press head 1216.

Additionally, the disc 1218 is supported by the press head as theplunger is moved through any contents in the container from the firstposition to the second position along the radially extending, elongateareas 1223 as indicated in FIG. 19. These areas comprise an alternatingsequence of long and short radially extending, elongate areas 1223spaced at equal intervals circumferentially about the disc 1218, andcorrespond to elongate, radially extending support members 1225 on theunderside of the press head 1216. This support arrangement providesgenerally equally distributed support of the disc 1218 during filtrationof the bone from the blood while also providing a very large filtrationarea (as will be appreciated, most of the surface of the disc 1218actively filters the bone from the blood).

With further regard to the press head 1216 and omitting the disc 1218,FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a side plan view of the press head1216; FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a top plan view of the presshead 1216; and FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view ofthe press head 1216.

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the screw-on top1201.

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates a bottom plan view of the screw-on top1201; FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a perspective view of across-section of the screw-on top 1201 taken along the line 25-25 inFIG. 24; FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a side plan view of thescrew-on top 1201; and FIG. 27 schematically illustrates another sideplan view of the screw-on top 1201.

It will be seen from these drawings that the screw-on top 1201 definespassageways 1206 formed in the axial extent of the opening 1207 in thetop 1201 through which the shaft 1214 of the plunger 1210 is received.These passageways 1206 form vents when the shaft 1214 is received thoughthe opening 1207 and perform the same function as vent 206 in the cover202 described above.

Furthermore, each passageway 1206 includes a top portion that isgenerally oriented in parallel to the axis of the opening 1207 and shaft1214 when received therethrough; a middle portion that is generallycircumferentially oriented to the axis of the opening 1207 and shaft1214 when received therethrough; and a bottom portion that is generallyoriented in parallel to the axis of the opening 1207 and shaft 1214 whenreceived therethrough. The top portion and bottom portion of eachpassageway 1206 are thus offset from each other along thecircumferential direction about the opening 1207. This is perhaps bestseen in the passageway 1206 called out in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a screw-on top1101 of a first lid for use with the container 1302 of FIG. 15; FIG. 29schematically illustrates a bottom plan view of the screw-on top 1101;FIG. 30 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the screw-ontop 1101 taken along the line 30-30 in FIG. 29; FIG. 31 schematicallyillustrates a side plan view of the screw-on top 1101; and FIG. 32schematically illustrates another side plan view of the screw-on top1101. As seen in these drawings, the screw-on top 1101 includes asuction port 1104 and an intake port 1106. Ribs 1103 are also providedand function in the same manner as ribs 1203.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing description and drawings, abone collection assembly in accordance with one or more aspects of theinvention is used to efficiently and effectively collect bone particles,bone fragments, blood and other products created during intraoperativebone removal. The bone collection assembly separates the bone from theseother materials into a desirable autologous graft for use during bonefusion procedures. The compressed bone obtained from using the bonecollection assembly can be contoured into virtually any shape dictatedby surgical needs, whether it be on-lay grafting or interbody fusion. Itis believed that the compressed bone is viable and can be safelydelivered back to the patient, decreasing the surgical team's relianceon expensive synthetics, allograft and remote bone harvesting.

With regard now to FIGS. 33a-33g , FIG. 33a schematically illustrates aperspective view of the screw-on top 1101 of FIGS. 28-32 attached tocontainer 1302. Additionally, FIG. 33b schematically illustrates a frontelevational view of the screw-on top 1101 attached to container 1302;FIG. 33c schematically illustrates a side elevational view of thescrew-on top 1101 attached to container 1302; FIG. 33d schematicallyillustrates another side elevational view of the screw-on top 1101attached to container 1302; FIG. 33e schematically illustrates a rearelevational view of the screw-on top 1101 attached to container 1302;FIG. 33f schematically illustrates a bottom plan view of the screw-ontop 1101 attached to container 1302; and FIG. 33g schematicallyillustrates a top plan view of the screw-on top 1101 attached tocontainer 1302.

FIG. 34a is a partially exploded perspective illustration of a container2302 and cover 2202 of a preferred commercial embodiment in accordancewith one or more aspects of the present invention. FIG. 34b is anotherperspective view of the container and cover of FIG. 34a , but shown withcover 2202 and container 2302 attached. With reference to FIG. 34b , itis believed that the top generally indicated at 3402 is ergonomicallydesigned to enhance ease of use; the suction port generally indicated at3404 is strategically positioned to prevent suction tubing frominterfering with surgical field of view; the translucent collectionchamber generally indicated at 3406 allows for direct visualization ofcontents collected in the container; external ribs, one of which isgenerally indicated at 3408, align with ridges on the top and insureproper assembly of the device; and press head with surgical grade meshgenerally indicated at 3410 maximizes separation of autologous bone fromblood.

Additional Context of Use

While the description of preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen in the context of collection of bone during surgical procedures,another context of use comprises use of one or more such collectionassemblies, methods, and systems in the collection of tissue duringsurgical procedures and, in particular, for the collection of tissue asit is removed from the body utilizing ultrasonic tissue evacuationdevices. The primary function would be not only to collect all materialremoved from the body with, for example, an ultrasonic tissue evacuator,but also to separate the target tissue (tumor bone and other tissues)from body fluids and irrigation fluids. Such fluids could include blood;saline; and irrigant—which is delivered through the aspiration site, forexample, by ultrasonic tissue evacuators.

For example, one or more embodiments of the invention can be utilizedduring tumor collection with surgical aspirators such as the CUSAultrasonic surgical aspirator commercially available from IntegraLifesciences, which is a suction, irrigation and ultrasonic devicewidely used for removal of abnormal tissue, such as brain and livertumors. Ultrasonic tissue evacuation devices have been used since thelate 1970s. These devices have a multitude of uses, and each generallycomprises a hand piece which is used like a wand. It is held in asurgeon's hand and the tip of this apparatus is used not only to breakup target tissue with ultrasonic waves, but also to deliver irrigant andsuction to the tip allowing removal of the target tissue. The tissueonce freed from the body is removed via tubing to a vacuum system. Thisvacuum system is commonly that of the suction supply present invirtually all operating rooms. Keeping as much as possible of the tissuethat is removed is very important. Thus, while in transit through thesuction tubing, tissue that is removed is suctioned from the surgicalsite, with the irrigation fluid and body fluid, away from the sterilefield into and through a canister that includes a semi-permeable sock tocatch and filter out the tissue from the fluid. Unfortunately, the sockis non-sterile and is ineffective in condensing the tissue and removingthe fluids; consequently, a slurry of material captured by thesock—comprising primarily clotted blood—is sent to the pathologist fortissue analysis. The methodology of using the sock for collectioncontaminates the tissue, too.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the invention, embodiments ofthe collection system of the present invention are used to capture theremoved tissue that is cut and suctioned through the tubing, and thenon-sterile cloth sock preferably is not used. It is believed that thisenables a surgeon to collect nearly all of the tissue that is removed ina sterile manner free from most of the fluids that are also removed withthe tissue. A preferred method and a preferred collection assembly inthis context of use will now be described in detail.

An ultrasonic device is attached and set up in its usual fashion. Apreferred collection assembly kit in accordance with one or more aspectsof the invention is opened at the beginning of the case and placed onthe surgical table. The kit preferably comprises any of the kitsdisclosed herein in the context of bone collection (including twocollection containers), and further preferably includes an elbowconnector such as, for example, the right-angle elbow connector 350illustrated in FIG. 35. The elbow connector preferably has aquarter-inch inner diameter, is made from polypropylene, and is sterile.The elbow connector is used to join the silicon tubing extending fromthe collection top with tubing from the ultrasonic device, helps tomaintain a steady flow of suction to the ultrasonic device, and allowssuctioned contents from the ultrasonic tool to fall into the container.

The second container top with the plunger and one of the collectioncontainers of the kit are removed from the sterile kit packaging andplaced, unattached to each other, on the sterile surgical table. Thefirst container top and the sterile elbow connector provided in the kitare removed, and the elbow connector is attached to the silicon tubingprojecting superiorly from the first container top (this arrangement isillustrated in FIG. 36). The other container provided in the kit and thefirst container top are screwed together and the suction tubing for thesuction source provided in the operating room is attached to the elbowconnector of the first container top. The surgical tubing provided inthe operating room is then run off the patient lengthwise and attachedto the operating room provided suction source. The tubing from theultrasonic device is attached to the side port of the first containertop. The container with the first collection top is then ready for usein collecting tissue and fluid removed via the ultrasonic device.

During use, the container with the first collection top is secured tothe side of the patient between the assistant and the tech and leftthere. The surgical drape is folded over the elbow and remains thereuntil the case is complete.

Once the first container is filled with blood and biological tissue, theultrasonic portion of the case is halted momentarily. Preferably, thefirst assistant unscrews the filled container and passes it to a tech,who is present in the operating room. The tech accepts the filledcontainer, while handing back to the assistant the second emptycontainer staged on the surgical table. The second empty container isscrewed onto the first collection top and the procedure resumes.Preferably, this exchange takes approximately 10-15 seconds.

As the surgery continues, the tech screws the second container top thatincludes the plunger onto the filled container of blood, irrigation andpathology. Additional suction tubing, provided by the operating room, isattached to the side port of the second container top, and the plungerthereof is manually deployed downward with gentle, steady pressure. Oncethe press head has reached the bottom of the container, the container istilted and the fluid is suctioned away. After the fluid contents havebeen evacuated, the top is brought back up to its resting position,which is assisted by a spring incorporated into the plunger assembly.The container then is unscrewed and the pathology is placed onto anon-absorbable pad, such as a telfa pad. The second container top withplunger, and the empty container, then are placed back onto the surgicaltable and used again thereafter to repeat this process for collecting asmuch tissue as possible.

As will be appreciated, once the collection container is attached andstaged and the case begins, the collection process principally comprisesswapping and pressing thereafter until the case is completed.

Once the case is complete, the collection apparatus is discarded inaccordance with HAZMAT disposal procedures of the respective hospital.

Illustrations representative of instructions for use that are preferablyincluded in a kit for collection of tissue in such operations areillustrated in FIGS. 38a-38i . In accordance with these illustrations,the following is representative of written instructions that would beprovided, which are illustrative of the foregoing description of use:

FIG. 38a —Step 1: Attach collection top, with silicone tubing extendingfrom top port, to an empty container so that ribs align.

FIG. 38b —Step 2: Attach the ultrasonic device's evacuation tubing toside port (a). Attach provided elbow connector to silicon tubing (b).Ensure connections are well seated.

FIG. 38c —Step 3: Attach the operating room provided suction tubing (a)to elbow connector (b). Ensure connection is well seated.

FIG. 38d —Step 4: Secure the collection container to the patient'ssterile drape on the side of the patient by folding the drape over theelbow (a). Secure with operating room provided snap, Kocher or forcepinstrument. Attachment of first container top is maintained during thecase.

FIG. 38e —Step 5: Once collection container is almost full, haltoperating of ultrasonic device.

FIG. 38f —Step 6: Unscrew the collection container and replace thecollection container with the other, empty collection container. Passfilled collection container to tech. Once empty collection container issecurely attached to the first collection top, resume operating ofultrasonic device.

FIG. 38g —Step 7: Attach press top to filled collection container. Alignribs. Attach suction to side port and manually depress plunger. *Ensuresuction is operational *Filled container can be hand-held or placed onthe Mayo table.

FIG. 38h —Step 8: Once fully depressed, tilt collection container toevacuate fluid through side port via suction. Repeat if needed.

FIG. 38i —Step 9: Unscrew and remove press top from collectioncontainer. Remove biologic material and stage on sterile pad, such astelfa pad. Tissue can be sent to pathology or staged to be used assurgeon desires. *Recommend using a Periosteal instrument.* Repeat steps5-9 until surgery is complete.

The use of a collection assembly kit in accordance with one or moreaspects of the invention addresses at least two flaws now recognizedwith the current “sock” technology used with ultrasonic devices.Specifically, collection now occurs in accordance with preferredembodiments of the invention on the sterile field of surgery and theissue of contamination of the tissue is avoided. This would enable, forexample, cultures to be obtained from the tissue. In contrast, ifcultures had been attempted utilizing the current sock technology,contamination would be a serious concern.

Secondly, the tissue in accordance with preferred embodiments of theinvention is able to be compressed, removing the vast majority ofunwanted fluids prior to submitting the tissue for analysis. This isbelieved to be of significant benefit to pathology, in that the tissuesubmitted for study would be largely that of the pathology and notdiluted by saline irrigant and clotted blood. This could result in asignificant cost savings in that time previously wasted attempting toisolate representative tissue would no longer be necessary. The tissuespecimen would be much more representative of the pathology.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of collecting bone from a liquid usingan apparatus, comprising: (a) suctioning liquid containing bone into acontainment area of a container of the apparatus; and after performingsaid step (a), (b) suctioning liquid from the container; (c) manuallycompressing the bone by moving a press head of a plunger of theapparatus from an initial position proximate an underside of a lidattached to the container in a direction toward the bottom of thecontainment area; and (d) spring biasing the press head toward theinitial position using a spring that is located along a shaft extendingfrom a handle of the plunger through an opening in the lid to the presshead, the spring being located on the shaft between the handle and thelid, the apparatus being configured such that the spring biases thepress head into the initial position proximate the underside of the lidabsent manual application of force to the handle of the plunger; (e)wherein the step of manually compressing the bone comprises manuallypushing the handle of the plunger toward the lid in opposition to thespring biasing of the press head; and after performing said steps (b)through (d), (f) opening the container by detaching the lid from thecontainer; and (g) withdrawing the collected and compressed bone fromthe container.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising holding thecontainer while both manually compressing the bone and suctioning liquidfrom the container.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plunger isretained on the lid.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the spring iscoaxial with the shaft.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the containercomprises a threaded rim, and wherein the lid is detachable from thecontainer by manually unscrewing the lid and the container.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the lid comprises exterior ribs providing agripping area for manually unscrewing the lid and the container.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a cylindricalcontainer having a single, open end comprising a mouth of the container.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the container comprises a threadedrim, and wherein the lid is configured to be screwed onto the containerin sealing engagement with the mouth of the container.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein compressing the bone forces liquid from the compressedbone thereby filtering bone from the liquid.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein compressing comprises compressing the bone against a screen ofthe apparatus.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising venting thecontainer while compressing and drawing off fluid from the container.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the venting comprises suctioning airfrom an exterior of the container into the container.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the suctioning of air from an exterior of thecontainer into the container occurs at the location at which the shaftextends through the lid.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein suctioningliquid from the container comprises connecting the container to asuction source using a tube.
 15. The method of claim 1, whereinsuctioning liquid containing bone into the container comprisessuctioning the liquid containing the bone from a surgical site using amedical instrument.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the medicalinstrument comprises an ultrasonic device for cutting and removingtissue.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a suction port configured for attachment of an end of a tubefor suctioning liquid from the container.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the suction port extends in a radial direction away from an axisof the cylindrical container.
 19. A method of collecting bone from aliquid using an apparatus, comprising: (a) suctioning liquid containingbone into a containment area of a container of the apparatus; and afterperforming said step (a), (b) suctioning liquid from the container via asuction tube secured to a suction port of the apparatus; (c) manuallycompressing the bone against a screen of the apparatus by moving a presshead of a plunger of the apparatus from an initial position proximate anunderside of a lid attached to the container in a direction toward thebottom of the containment area such that the screen filters bone fromliquid by allowing liquid to pass through the screen but not allowingthe manually compressed bone to pass through the screen; and (d) springbiasing the press head toward the initial position using a spring thatis located along a shaft extending from a handle of the plunger throughan opening in the lid to the press head, the spring being located on theshaft between the handle and the lid, the apparatus being configuredsuch that the spring biases the press head into the initial positionproximate the underside of the lid absent manual application of force tothe handle of the plunger; (e) wherein the step of manually compressingthe bone comprises manually pushing the handle of the plunger toward thelid in opposition to the spring biasing of the press head; and (f)wherein, while suction is being applied via the suction tube secured tothe suction port, when the press head is in the initial position, thesuction port is located downflow of the screen such that the screenprevents bone from being suctioned out; and after performing said steps(b) through (d), (g) opening the container by detaching the lid from thecontainer; and (h) withdrawing the collected and compressed bone fromthe container.
 20. A method of collecting bone from a liquid using anapparatus, comprising: (a) suctioning liquid containing bone into acontainment area of a container of the apparatus, the containercomprising a cylindrical container having a first open end representinga mouth of the container and a second closed end opposite the first openend; and after performing said step (a), (b) suctioning liquid from thecontainer via a suction tube secured to a suction port of the apparatus;(c) manually compressing the bone against a screen of the apparatus bymoving a press head of a plunger of the apparatus from an initialposition proximate an underside of a lid attached to the container in adirection toward the bottom of the containment area such that the screenfilters bone from liquid by allowing liquid to pass through the screenbut not allowing the manually compressed bone to pass through thescreen, the lid being secured to the mouth of the container via threadedengagement with a threaded rim surrounding the mouth of the container;and (d) spring biasing the press head toward the initial position usinga spring that is located along a shaft extending from a handle of theplunger through an opening in the lid to the press head, the springbeing located on the shaft between the handle and the lid, the apparatusbeing configured such that the spring biases the press head into theinitial position proximate the underside of the lid absent manualapplication of force to the handle of the plunger; (e) wherein the stepof manually compressing the bone comprises manually pushing the handleof the plunger toward the lid in opposition to the spring biasing of thepress head; and (f) wherein, while suction is being applied via thesuction tube secured to the suction port, when the press head is in theinitial position, the suction port is located downflow of the screensuch that the screen prevents bone from being suctioned out; and afterperforming said steps (b) through (d), (g) opening the container bydetaching the lid from the mouth of the container; and (h) withdrawingthe collected and compressed bone from the container through the mouthof the container to which the lid including the plunger and press headwas secured.